Bentley1

I just bought a 93 SC400 last week. The vehicle is in mint condition, and has a nice robust feel as it goes down the highway. One thing I did notice, however, is that if I happen to be in a lane that has old asphalt on half of the lane, and new asphalt on the other part of the lane- that the vehicle wants to dart off to one side. I get the same thing when I exit the freeway, and head to the offramp. It appears that the two front tires are wearing down quite a bit in the middle, and need to be replaced this week. Could this be contributing to the problem, or is this just something inherent to a vehicle with tight handling?

By the way, would you go with a 94V rated tire, such as the Michelin Pilot MXM4? I have no desire to change from the factory wheels, or modify the size of the tires from the stock 225 55 R16's. I also need an all season tire, since we get snow here.

Thanks!

dpakman91

interestingly enough, my car does the same thing...somewhat unusual.

Grimpy

tram lining... I beleive thats what it is called. Don't worry it happens all the time.

UZZ32

Tramlining can be eliminated - it's not something you have to put up with.
Causes:
incorrect alignment
worn tyres
worn bushes
Offset in the 30mm range magnifies above problems
so does wide wheels, greater than 8 inches

mjames08

my car does that also.. I think my tires are worn though, because when it has been raining and I drive over a crosswalk or big letters in the street the whole car slides

pcmw

Umm,

My car used to do the same thing until I changed the bushings. Now, even with my 8.5" 18's it doesn't happen at all.

MW

rushgator

I'm running new 18x8s w/ Yokahama AVS tires, and it tramlines on bad pavement worse than it did with my old setup, which was the stock 16x7 rims and well worn Dunlops. It can be really annoying on these ruined roads in rural TX.

pcmw

rushgator2112,

Yeah. I have found that the stock setup with rubber bushings cannot adequately control larger rims.

MW

UZZ32

With new rubber bushings or old rubber bushings?

Bentley1

Is it a big deal to change the rubber bushings? Any idea on cost? Is it a fairly easy DIY?

I ordered some nice Michelin V rated tires, so I'll let you know if that helps.

pcmw

Bentley1,

Search for bushings or control arm and you will find your answers. For most people, I suggest paying a shop $200-300 to do the work correctly. If you have plenty of tools/time/expertise try it yourself.

MW

Bentley1

Update:

The problem has officially been solved! I purchased 4 brand new Michelin V rated tires today, and the problem has completely gone away.

THE_CEO

hmmm really maybe i should do that then...